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Laura Thieme

Bizresearch President – 10 years - 2007

Fisher College of Business Lecturer on Search Marketing

OSU Russian Studies Grad – 1993

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7th May 2008

Trailblazing Women Make a Difference - Barbara Walters Book “Audition” Special Interview by Charlie Gibson

Whew! that’s a long title!  I watched the Barbara Walter’s interview by Charlie Gibson on ABC tonight.  I have always enjoyed watching her in the past 20 some odd years on ABC, or at least as long as I can remember watching her.  In this case it might be longer, you never know…. :-)

 Gibson interviewed her adopted daughter as well as interviewed Walters on the topic.  She had three miscarriages, and chose to adopt her daughter.  Gibson asked if it was a curse or a blessing to have had an adopted daughter of Walters, who commented that she was born of her heart, not her womb.  As a pregnant woman, who has just lost a twin, with one remaining healthy baby, I think of how amazing a woman such as Walters would go through three miscarriages, three marriages to boot, and choose to adopt a daughter.  I’m proud of her - truly proud that she has lived her life with such amazing professional accomplishment but also found a way to have a child.   Her daughter says that no matter what, Walters was there for her.  Pretty impressive considering the daughter’s involvement with drugs. 

On other women interviewed by Gibson about Walters including Rosie, Oprah and Whoopi - they talked about the difficulty of being a trailblazing woman who made inroads, who wore all the scars, so that other women could go after her, perhaps on an easier journey although not for the faint of heart.  All of these women talked about the challenges of being a trailblazer - Whoopi talked about needing some big cahunas - or yes, balls, to be able to do all that she and others like her have done in their lives.

I’m always amazed at strong professional women, who regardless of marriage(s), failed or not, manage to have both profession and family - and wouldn’t want to be without one or the other.  There is an amazing perseverence in these women and I have witnessed this in many of my female clients who have become colleagues and in time, become close friends over the years.  I admire and salute all women trailblazers - for you do not have an easy road ahead of you - but you should be proud of the road behind you. 

Godspeed.

6th May 2008

Mother’s Day, Pregnancy & Al Gore in Columbus

It’s very early in the morning - I can’t sleep.  I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in I can’t remember how long.  With five animals, three of whom were/are aging, a young nocturnal romper-room cat, and a new dog - it’s been quite some time since I’ve slept through the night.  The funny thing about being a pet parent, especially to five animals, is that you are absorbed by how much care goes into animals as they get older especially if you or they fight to live as long as possible - but you just don’t get the respect of being a Mom, right?  I’ve lost two of those five pets this year and it was tragic - I cried, wailed, sobbed, you name it - I felt it.  I dream about them - I dream about Misha, the one remaining, whenever I lock him out of my room at night so I can try to sleep feeling guilty as he hangs on to life - So, as it’s labelled in the book MicroTrends - we are in the pet parent generation.  Heaven forbid we should have children, right? 

Ironically, despite having cats since I was 5, and dogs off and on throughout childhood, all I wanted was to be a Mom - I have a journal entry dating back to when I was 13 hoping to be a young grandmother so I’d know my grandchildren.  Scary then - but approaching the big 40-milestone, I’m happy to report that I’m pregnant, with twins, and approaching the first Mother’s Day with great excitement and yes, a little fear at times.  How can I protect these babies from all the bad chemicals, bad things - it’s God’s grace that we survive this world, right?  As a working person, non-parent, we are absorbed by the daily grind and not much else really - it’s all we do - work, sleep, live, love - repeat.  But as you approach genuine parent status you begin to really WORRY.  :-)  You read about a story here, a story there - and you realize how lucky you are to be healthy and of sound mind, sound body - I mean really lucky.  If only I can raise two sound, healthy babies to be good people, believe in God, and be productive citizens?  The things you begin to pray for at night.

I was in a store last week buying a pair of pants - must avoid maternity clothes at all costs until second trimester - ;-)  and the sales associate actually gave me my first Mother’s Day gift.  I wanted to hug her - she knew it too - but I refrained.  Not sure what I’m going to do with an amethyst necklace - perhaps a regift at Christmas?  I am surrounded by a lot of people who are extraordinarily supportive of my endeavors to be a Mom.  Mostly women, but also a few men who’ve known for years how much I desired to become a mother.  Some ask if it’s selfish to become a Mom - perhaps in some ways for some who think a particular way - but my answer to most - it’s the one thing that will change the way you think, the way you decide, the plans you make for the rest of your life - is that selfish?  I don’t think so.

There is more than just me, my job, my work, my life - there is something growing inside of me and it’s two tiny little babies.  I’ve seen them, heard them - pretty cool what technology does for the faint of heart at times.  I have proof, not just in camera form, but in video - yes, I actually took my camcorder into the doc’s office to record the heartbeats for real.  Loved it. 

There are some people who live for more than just themselves - and to switch from Mother’s Day to the Mother Earth.  I salute Al Gore for living beyond his own concerns but for the environment.  He came to Columbus on Sunday and I heard him speak.  He was great - not long-winded - and the latest prediction for the polar ice caps in the North - melting in the summer months to nothing - five years - five years left to do something drastic to affect change.  What are you doing for Mother Earth?  We all need to do more.  Go to www.wecansolveit.org and get involved.

There are three things that really tick me off right now - it’s watching oil company commercials about what they’re doing to “safely” explore into the oceans, Bush’s approval of oil drilling in the Alaskan wildlife refuge, and “talk” about gas prices and what we can do to offset them.  Why don’t we change our energy production policies and lifestyle?  Go figure.  AEP in Ohio - you need to do more for solar energy and wind power.  We need to produce energy this way - and put funding in this endeavor - no more coal, nuclear power development - where’s the wind and solar power?  Here’s a company that’s doing it right - investing in our future - solar power development.

I choose to have children, and to invest energy into our future - to make a change - to try to impact things in not just my lifetime but their lifetime in a positive way.  It’s not just going to their soccer games that matter - it’s doing something that perhaps they can’t always see - but can benefit from in the years to come - in a more tangible way - by enjoying what Mother Earth has to offer us.

16th March 2008

Countdown to Spring - A Time for Planting

It’s mid-March.  Despite nearly two feet of snow last weekend, we are ready for Spring regardless of our location.  Winter enables hibernation from many things, including the garden.  I have already visited three gardening facilities in anticipation of Spring, waiting for pansies and mulch.  When I see tips of plants peaking through the leftover mulch from last Fall, I know Spring will be here soon. 

With Spring, many things provide a burst of energy including longer days, dog walks, cleaning, warmer days, a desire for more activity, which leads to new projects.  What are the new projects in store for this Spring?

Selling the condo, training the new whippet lab mix, starting class at Ohio State, client projects, going through my first in-vitro, and possibly a big move.  It’s all about planting seeds in different ways - through school, a new rescue, a garden, a possible child or two, and perhaps a new home somewhere else. 

What are you planning to do this Spring?  I encourage you to plant some new seeds this Spring - do something different, substantially different - something that makes an impact on others’ lives.

Blessings!

30th January 2008

My Last Night With Max, Fat Cat Max

This is Max’s Last Night - My Last Night With Him

This is my (once, previously) fat cat Max’s last night, who is no longer fat, but nearly 17, hyperthyroid, liver disease-ridden, often sick, and rather bony to boot.  At the moment, he’s sleeping peacefully tonight, under the living room light, on the red couch, in the blankets.  Tomorrow at noon, is the dreaded doc’s visit.  I’m going to post a picture where all three of my kitties were lined up sleeping, next to one another in the next day or so, but here’s another picture of him tonight by himself on the couch. 

Max Kitty Cat

I hate this, I really hate this.   If you read the posts below, you’ll know what I’m referencing and why.  I feel guilty despite any ration any person or myself tries to emit.  I just don’t like “electing” the end, or choosing the time, the place, the location, the how. 

Trying to keep my other animals separate from him, carrying him out of my house afterwards, wondering how I’m going to face Misha, his brother, afterwards.  It is important for me to not stress Max further by taking him in the car to the vet.  He’s almost died twice on his last two car rides, hyperventilating, turning pure white in his mouth, and causing near accidents trying to comfort him. 

I wonder if his brother, Misha, already knows - I tried to tell him last night.  Wondering if St. Francis is okay with this? 

I’m going to write an “Ode to Fat Cat Max” tomorrow night as personal therapy and post some funny old stories and pictures.

Say a prayer for both of the brothers, who I pray will handle the physical separation well.  max and Misha have always been quite connected during difficulties or disappearances.  I’ll tell those endearing stories tomorrow.  Tonight, I have fuzzy furry time to spend with Max.  Tears flow - Misha sits beside me as I write this wanting up on my shoulder and crying to be held.

24th January 2008

Cody & Max - Should I Put Them Down Together?

It’s 3:30 in the morning.  I’m up because Cody, my chow dog, has gotten sick again with her terrible coughing attacks.  She has never gotten 100% better since June of 2007, when MedVet opened her up only to discover nothing in her intestines.  I blogged about that issue in June of last year. 

 Cody’s coughing attacks are so incredibly horrible that you just want to calm her.  My stomach tightens as she goes into the attack, and I feel so incredibly bad for her.  I’ve tried everything - she’s been to five or more vets in the past six months.  We’ve spent over $7,000 trying to figure out the problem only to not discover what’s wrong.  There gets to be a point when you just want to leave well enough alone - and let nature take its course.  The probing, the visits, the invasiveness, the cost - all very intense.  But she’s absolutely the best dog I’ve ever had - better than any dog growing up, and better than the other two dogs I’ve had.

I can hear her downstairs right now - it just is truly dreadful - I’ve tried capturing it on tape so you can hear what this is like - but it comes intermittently and lasts for about 30 seconds.  She has not eaten much because she can’t get the food down, and it does appear this is coming from an upset stomach, or perhaps a progression of cancer that we’ve never been able to find?

So, the vet is available this weekend, or I can use the Born Free service where they come to your house.   I guess I want my regular vet to do this.  I tried using one vet’s service but I found the vet’s wife to be somewhat insensitive and quite frankly rude when I asked them to come to me.  I was referred to Born Free instead.  My other vet has been more than willing to do this, but is out of town until tomorrow, Thursday. 

‘When you have to put a loved animal down, you actually feel like you’re pre-meditating murder - of a dog and cat I know - but still it feels horrible.  I don’t want to elect to put the animal to sleep - I want the animal to go naturally, right?  In their sleep, their way - but the suffering that you watch when their final moments come. 

As my other dog, Lucky, and my sweet kitty Misha, the brother of Max, laid here in bed with me, I began to ponder the Saturday arrangements pending vet availability (which isn’t easy to arrange).  I began to cry, really hard, sobbing in my pillow, hating the reality of it.  I’m crying now as I write.  Lucky, she’s oblivious to their life, so I think she’ll be fine - if anything she’s likely to be out of control even moreso as Cody does provide some training and structure to what Lucky is allowed to do when she’s around.

 Misha - he’ll be saying goodbye to his brother - but I think he’ll be okay too.  He’s a miracle himself, many times over, so I think he’ll hang on for a while, maybe a year or so. 

Monroe, I worry about him.  Cody protects Monroe from Lucky, who just wants to play with Monroe.  Lucky who has taken to licking Max’s ears (and max actually lets him), really likes to chase Monroe.  She doesn’t really bother Misha, who is wise enough to perch above Lucky’s head and look down on her with disdain.

So, what to do - and how to do it - and how to survive it.  I think of excrutiating details of where I should do it so their karma can release into my home - will they go off and play together - rediculous, right?

Or, if you are seriously into pets, you’ve struggled with this too at some point and probably sympathize along with me.  But with sick animals in the house, the home gets to be out of balance, and the other animals I think get stressed too - just from them being sick.  They pick up on my stress of trying to take care of them.

If you’re reading this, and have posted pictures or videos of your loved cats and dogs, please send them to me in the comments field, link to your pics please.  Animals do bring so much laughter and enjoyment most of the time to your life - that I can’t imagine life without them.

Whenever I hurt, I always try to bring up something funny so here goes:

Two moments of chaos with the kids in the past couple of days - I have a new cleaning lady who by the way is not a “lady” if you know what I mean.  Think Dirty Sexy Money - seen Patty?  Literally the same.  Don’t get me wrong, Patty can clean with the best.  But all I could think was SNL and Dirty Sexy Money.  The Baldwin girlfriend …. are you getting me? 

Patty comes in last week for the first deep clean of the house.  I’m kinda shocked because i wasn’t expecting this.  Well, poor girl - she comes in - Max is getting senile and sick some days and doesn’t recall where the boxes are - so I’ve put him downstairs in the litter/laundry room and closed the door so I can prepare for “Patty”.  Scaredy Cat Monroe, who is terribly afraid of the strangers, well, he’s run downstairs to tunnel under the bedspread.  Perhpas he’s even tried to run into litter room, and discovered, oh shit, the door is closed.  So, he takes the liberty of letting his angst out by the litter box door.  If you know what I mean….

I bring Patty downstairs, only to discover this - how’s that for first impressions - of course I’m mortified.  I see Monroe under the bedspread, a big lump in the bed.  Cody, my loyal chow protective dog is following Patty like a hawk - and is not letting her out of her sight whatsoever - I apologize to Patty about Max and Monroe - only to turn around and discover Cody has decided to clean the carpet herself - oh God - Calgon take me away!

Wise kitty Misha - he’s upstairs oblivious to this - but all I can think of is the pure chaos in my house - Patty wants to ask questions about the house …. I’m thinking I need to clean my carpet right now ….. yowza.  It was like a moment on SuperNanny, or Cesar Milan’s show on Animal Planet.  

 The pet sitter shows up soon after and takes Lucky for a walk.  Lucky is pulling my pet sitter so bad that day that she walks into my room and tells me that Lucky is fired, we’re fired.  No more Lucky pulling on her.  When stressful moments like this happen and people are falling apart around me - I tend to get very calm - just to make them feel better - sometimes to get rid of them quickly - and then it’s time to fix, fix the situation and cope - bring things back to the typical state of quiet around here.

Out I go to PetsMart, determined to fix the problem.  I buy two new leashes, a reflective collar (Lucky has already eaten that), Cesar’s book on “Be the Pack Leader”, and a gentle leader, oh, and two sweaters for Lucky who gets cold outside on her walks.  Let me tell you - the leash with the grip and the gentle leader are divine assists. 

Lucky has been re-hired.  Thank God - my pet sitter has agreed to walk her again.  Indeed, Lucky was a bucking bronco the first three times on the new leash - but I must say I think she likes her new OSU Buckeyes sweater.  I can’t believe I’m dressing a dog, especially having a Chow for all these years.  But Lucky likes her sweather and now knows the lead is a sign of a good long walk. 

Despite this new hope of a possibly trained dog in the near future, we’re still having problems with two things with Lucky - poopin’ in the house despite a walk, or having just been let outside, and the recent and very wonderful discovery of shoes.  Shoes are fun, right?  Leather tastes so good, right?  What a dog tastes in leather is beyond me.  But she decided to break out of her kennel while Cody and I were out to get her medicine the other night.  She likes to take the shoes from the foyer, bring them into the living room, deposit them, and then play with them, chew them, yeah - so I come home and see Lucky out of her kennel.  I’m immediately worried because this dog can do some serious damage in no time flat.

Lucky thinks this is super cool - boss and that mean dog Cody is gone - cool!  I can chase cats, see if there ar eany crumbs in the kitchen, oh, and there’s that cool box of goodies downstairs in the basement, and shoot, if I need to go to the bathroom, well, I’ll just run down to that room where the kitties go - and these shoes, I love leather shoes - so chewy and yummy!

So, my beloved Clark shoes - one destroyed, absolutely destroyed.  Now why couldn’t she have done the slippers - I never wear those things anyway.

pet proofing the house - huh?  I hear ya!

Now, listen, if that dog ever touches my Manolos!!!!!!!! It’s mincemeat time!!!!!  Cat food - a new brand - Lucky cat food - in memory of Manolo slingbacks.  hide your Manolos, quick, while you can!

So Cody is hacking up her lungs, dry heaving, and watering at the eyes, Max is wandering around my house wondering where the box is, Monroe is talking  - Lucky is discovering new shoes and anything else she can play with - the only sane one in this house - my 17 year old cat Misha.  he’s wise enough to just stay upstairs where it’s quiet, clean, and very serene.

I’ve given it 17 and 13 years respectively with Cody and Max - I can only hope I have the strength to call the vet tomorrow - and then God help us all on Saturday and Sunday. 

10th January 2008

2008 Goals : Do Less

What did you do in 2007?  Too Much?

In 2007, I did way too much - way too much.  Some said that surely I would burn out.  I developed a course at Ohio State University, I led a company of 12 employees, I developed two SEMPO courses for my search engine marketing trade association, I trained and trained and trained employees, I had major surgery, I took care of four animals (3 cats and a dog), I went to Antarctica, Argentina and travelled in many states, worked on numerous projects, blah, blah blah, right?

Who gives a penguin guano?  I’m focused in 2008 on a couple of things - doing less - that is the theme, and the specifics, well here is what that includes:

1) Invitro - yep - focus on baby or babies

2) Do less for nothing - I’m not in the mood this year to do something for nothing

3) Volunteer less - refer to point 2

4) Sell my condo - move into house

5) focus on fitness

6) train new dog

7) do less

8) travel less for work and more for fun

9) buy strong real estate investment

10) do more for fun

What should we blame this on?  Antarctica - a vacation - a trip - a real, genuine getaway - a green marketing initiative - who cares about your new car, your new house, your new outfit?  Are you doing anything to make the world a better place, right? 

So, I’m nesting the new house for baby thing - and I’m focusing on green, marketing, and doing less.  Focus, focus, focus -and do less.

Be well - relax - take care of yourself - and the environment - use less - don’t just recycle - use less.  Be less disposable - reuse more - and don’t throw out if you can renew.

Breathe in - and let go.  Have fun - and do less - that is, if you were doing something productive to begin with.

;-)

17th November 2007

Apathy - Are You Apathetic?

Do You Know What Apathy Is?

After dinner tonight with a colleague, I started to drive home and found myself sitting in a movie theater watching Lions for Lambs, which stars Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise and Robert Redford.  All of these actors are true performers, all inspire thought-provoking discussions as a result of many of their movies, and no, Mission Impossible is not one of those movie series that inspires thought-provoking discussions.

I had heard the movie didn’t do well in its opening weekend, and was disappointed to hear that considering the all-star line-up.  I had seen the previews and it looked good to me.  I’m a sucker for both Redford and Cruise, and have always, always wanted to meet Redford.  I love what he’s done for Sundance, Utah, environmentalism, independent filmmakers, and his many causes for action.  He inspires.  I saw Redford last year speak at Ohio State’s Wexner Center and was enthralled by his presence in the room.  He leads and inspires me to action.  He makes me think.  He’s opinionated but takes action.  He does more than pontificate, bitch or whine. 

Cruise gets a bad wrap due to his Scientology connection, but personally I like the guy - I think he’s an excellent actor.  He’s had a few dark movies but he has the medium to communicate and in most cases seems to choose it to tell a story, to communicate with the masses.  He’s intense and he’s so frickin hot.  There is not one bad shot of this guy - you can’t make this guy look bad - you just can’t.  Yummy.

Meryl - she’s a legend.  I’ve watched her for many years and have always been mesmerized by her performances.  She’s great in this movie.

 The movie is brilliant but I’ll warn you - it kinda ticks you off at the end.  In fact, some people who look for happy endings - they’ll be really disappointed.  You’re left wondering, saying, don’t you dare end this movie at this point, no, no, no.  

Redford does not share the screen with Cruise or Streep.  The latter two have an intense conversation meanwhile action is taking place in Afghanistan that Cruise is enabling Streep to write about exclusively.  The conversation is about Iraq, Vietnam, terrorism, Bin Ladin, mistakes made, how the Americans are not experiencing proud moments, and how we the press are just not able to believe in our leadership anymore.  Cruise says that the press was part of making the story happen, part of making Iraq happen, part of “selling” it to the American people.  And Cruise is offering Streep a new story, an exclusive on a new initiative in Afghanistan. 

Meanwhile Redford is teaching an apathetic college kid at “some university in California”.  Redford is a poli sci professor - a Dr, a Ph.D.  I’m loving this because of my latest role in life at Ohio State, and my ongoing desire to coach millenials to be better employees and participate in life as good voting citizens.  

The dialogue in this movie is excellent.  The action in Afghanistan is excellent - but there are parts of the movie that inspire you to think about apathy - because that’s what it appears Redford is enraged or perhaps a little apathetic himself.  He questions why a lead student just stops going to class.  Cruise references the Tipping Point.  If you’ve read the Tipping Point, there is reference to how some people are leaders and lead others to action in masses.  Paul Revere led others to action - there was cause for action.  While others told the story of the British invasion and little were inspired to act.  But what made Revere different?  Why did he cause so many to act?  What caused him to act on the behalf of others?

In the movie, there are obvious statements made about our apathetic college kids, as well as additional observations made where multiple interpretations could occur depending on your own viewpoint.   Redford takes a full hour to communicate with a student with whom he identifies, just as Cruise takes a full hour to talk with Streep.  Both are lobbying for one hour to motivate and inspire others to act.  The question is how does the apathetic kid react?  Does he begin to question again what goes on around him?  Does he realize that his apathethic roommate who is obsessing about the 40 inch flat screen tv over a Paris or Britney-like persona?  There is some reference to the person who obsesses over his or her grades and has no clue about what’s happening in the world. 

I have always liked going to movies that cause me to think about something bigger than me.  I know some people who refuse to go to that type of movie because they don’t want to have to think.  Perhaps that’s why I like being a Christian, like being around the ocean, and want to see first-hand what’s happening in the Antarctica.  All of these things represent something bigger than me.  They all represent history.  They existed before me and will long after me.  Well, I can’t guarantee that the Antarctica will exist long after me in its current form, which is why I’m going to see, photograph and video record its current and yet changing state of being. 

Apathy is an interesting word and it’s the first word that came to mind at the end of this movie.  It’s a close relation to apathetic, which is also very close to “pathetic”.   Some lack emotion or feel no cause to act because their leaders fail to inspire and lead by example.  There is reference to this in Lions for Lambs by the apathetic college kid, who’s brilliant but ininspired.  What’s good though - is that Redford gets to the kid, visibly, at the end of the movie.  The question is what will the kid do?  Will he join the military, become a politician, start to vote, or does it matter, as long as does something that makes a difference?  Redford taught the two Army inductees as well, who are off in Afghanistan.  Perhaps Redford feels some sense of responsibility regarding the two former students for their outcome, and tries to inspire another perhaps in a different way - and that’s what’s hard to find out.  But must we know the outcome?

We are inspired to think, at least some of us are.  We may be inspired to act, perhaps.  More importantly, we should act on our beliefs, our passion, and our knowledge.  We should impact not just one at a time.  We should impact groups, and even some are able to impact the masses.  That’s what a blogger can do today.  The question is whether you will use your medium to inspire others, or sit back and lose yourself in the Entertainment channel, or watch Survivor in China. 

Act on behalf of others, and inspire many to act.  I choose to act on the behalf of others by leading a company, teaching students, coaching millenials, rescuing animals, and blogging about the environment.  I choose to go to Antarctica not to go to Hawaii.  I choose to tell a story through a mass-medium to increase environmental awareness.  What about you?

20th July 2007

Day Spa Pet Peeves 1 reply

Spa Pet Peeves & Other Things -
Part Two of a Two-Part Series on Massages, Pedicures & Spa Treatments

To finish off my SpaFinder blog series, I wanted to write about my spa pet peeves and a few other closing remarks about spa treatments.

Here are my spa treatment pet peeves:

Other challenges about going to the spa:

The latter two are probably my biggest challenge about going to a spa.  Being the type A actually makes it difficult to relax.  I was at Kenneth’s the other day, and found myself guilty of the second to the last challenge - I was wondering if the lady would move off my back.  It seemed like she had worked for so long on my back that I wondered if she would have time to get to the other parts.  However, then she focused on a particular part and it was divine.  When it was time to flip,  I could tell that I was thoroughly “cooked” and felt flat as a pancake.  It was good, very good.  I want to give her credit for a great massage.  Kenneths is the only remaining Columbus spa that I’ve ever been to that knows how to on-board you for a massage.  They walk you into the locker room area, suggest a hot mist shower (with eucalyptus - watch out - I’m allergic to it), offer you ice water, and lead you into a well-lit seating area. 

My only complaints - limited seating in the seating area - doesn’t allow for peak times for multiple people to sit in that area.   Personally I’m for dimly lit spa seating, cozy, warm, after all I’m walking around in a robe.   I asked for a pedicure and a massage, and there was 30 minutes in between treatments, and then they were 10 minutes late.  Otherwise, my treatments were great, and all of the masseuses I’ve had thus far have been great.

Read SpaFinder’s Spa 101 and Spa Etiquette - everything you need to know about scheduling a massage day spa treatment, calling ahead, what to wear, etc.

17th July 2007

A Little Pampering - Spas, Massages & Pedicures

When Was the Last Time You Had a Massage? A Pedicure?  Shiatsu?
by Laura Thieme

Do you know what Shiatsu is?  I didn’t several years ago, but now love it, in addition to many other types of spa treatments I’ve received over the years.  As mentioned on the Bizresearch search marketing blog post today, I just landed SpaFinder magazine and met with them in New York yesterday.

I mentioned having deep tissue massages when I trained for the 26.2 mile Columbus Marathon in 1995  - these massages hurt like hell, really bad.  You will detox after the intense pain of a deep tissue massage so it’s strongly encouraged to drink lots of water afterwards.  Don’t go out dancing and drinking if you want that $80 to work for you.  There is absolutely nothing relaxing in my personal opinion about a deep tissue massage.

Swedish massages and aromatherapy massages are all good - relaxing, and always interesting to get different massages in different parts of the world.  I can actually say I’ve had a genuine Swedish massage in Stockholm, Sweden.   In 2004, I was at the SES Stockholm conference speaking on web analytics to a group of about 100 companies.   After long trans-Atlantic flights I tend to need some natural detoxing, so I always elect massage, or shiatsu shortly after I arrive.  I stayed at Sheraton Stockholm.  Always inquire ahead about massage, shiatsu or other spa services before you travel.  Even if their website does not indicate spa services, email or call ahead of time.  Stockholm is such a super cool city.  Their airport has hardwood floors - how cool is that?  Sheraton has in-room massage services.   They’ll bring in a massage bed, but typically it’ll be a mat on the floor.  50-90 minutes of genuine Swedish massage.  What a way to detox from jetlag!

When I travel to London (yes, the UK, not London, Ohio), I stay at Landmark Hotel.   I have spoken there at the SES London event three years in a row.  I did not speak there this year, or last year, due to pets and business responsibilities.  That said, in the previous three years, I fell in love with the Landmark.  I of course indulged in their spa services.  Let me tell you something - masseuses know things about your body after they’ve worked on you.  They know things about you, whether you like it or not.  I find this fascinating.  I am a bit of a talker, but I love letting the masseuse figure out what’s up with me from my body.  I’ll never forget the masseuse at the Landmark Spa.  You HAVE to check out their website - they know web design and merchandising!  I had the aromatherapy massage.  Divine.  She told me I had something going on with my kidneys - who knew!  The chiropractor at the Stockholm Massage & Spa facility off of the Promenade in downtown Stockholm - she was young, hip, divine, inspiring, and good, very, very good.  She knew stuff about me too - I denied it, of course.

I took my mom to Sonoma Mission Inn a few years ago, which is a an hour or two from San Francisco.  I didn’t know it had become a Fairmont property.  The Sonoma Mission Inn was one of the most romantic places I’ve ever been to in my life.  I also had spa treatments that I talk about and now write about to this day.  I had an herbal treatment, combined with reflexology at the same time.  Wow - that’s all I can say here.  If you’ve ever had this at the Sonoma Mission Inn, you know what I’m talking about - whew!!!!! Amazing, amazing, amazing.  However, try finding their spa services on the Fairmont Sonoma website - ……

The most interesting massage I’ve ever had - well that was in Ft. Worth Texas.  I was working on-site at Pier 1 Imports on a search marketing project.  The stress was kinda intense, with research and presentations.  I got dizzy one day and turned to a local massage parlour not far from downtown Ft. Worth.  It was interesting - and divine - and well, ya gotta go there to find out.  A Perfect Touch.

The worst story I ever heard on a massage - was in Las Vegas.  I heard from my in-room masseuse about servicing execs in Las Vegas - I was there for a conference.  Turned out the woman was from Columbus, Ohio.  Wild small world.  She worked at one hotel where you are not allowed to say no to anything on the weekends.  Anything the guy or gal wants - he or she gets.  I can only imagine what people are asking for in Vegas.  They don’t call it the city of sin for nothing.  As a Christian girl, that city is way too tempting for even the best of us.  What an emtpy world - fantastical - but nothing good that comes of it.

In Columbus, I get massage and shiatsu.  The latter I turned to a few years ago after buckling from the pressure of travelling worldwide, speaking in front of hundreds, sometimes thousands of people, preparing presentations, research, analysis and having to be the “it” girl in front of mostly men, highly intellectual, etc.  I refused to take a “drug” for health, so I asked my doctor for alternative solutions.  He suggested therapy and shiatsu.  I elected the latter.  Well, yes, I had a couple of therapy sessions but the day the doc didn’t show for my Saturday morning session, that was it for me.  So, shiatsu - now this became a weekly obsession of mine for over four years.

I love shiatsu.  You keep your clothes on, get pressure applied (accupressure) in various spots on your body, all of which tell you and the practitioner if you have something going on in your body that you didn’t even know about.  Feel pain on a particular pressure point?  Well that’s because of something toxic in that part of your body.  I’ve been going to Patricia Bright for years, although not as much recently due to schedule.  Some of the cranio-sacral work that Patricia has done has been amazing.  I’ve turned friends on to Patricia and they’ve adopted her religiously as well.

I typically go to Mario Tricocci for day spa massage, but recently I’ve been going to Kenneth’s at Mill Run for a few reasons.  I love their spa, although neither of these are part of the SpaFinder gift certificate program, but perhaps I can change that. I’m all about the entrance - how are things when you first walk in to a spa?  Now, granted, I would say that the entrance at Kenneth’s could use a little improvement in terms of spa feelings.  But the spa itself, is enjoyable.  You walk into the spa area, and it has that subdued, quiet, traditional spa feeling.  You can’t describe it - but you know what I’m talking about if you’ve experienced the spa feeling before.

Today I had a massage and a pedicure.  The massage was great.  The biggest challenge with getting a massage?  Well, tune in tomorrow night - I’ll add some more juice to this story.

1st July 2007

Green Executives: Sustainable Office Possible? 1 reply

Can Executives Be Green & Create the Sustainable Office?

At Bizresearch, we reduce, recycle and reuse when possible.  The biggest opportunity is paper reduction, waste reduction, recycling, bottled water, air conditioning and lighting.  Does your AC run when you’re not there?  If it does, can you schedule the office to be warmer when you’re not there, just enough to keep computers and equipment cool enough to operate safely?

Do you have recycling bins in place?  Do you use both sides of your paper?  Encourage double-sided printing and reuse paper when possible.  

I also fly a lot, which is another concern - you’ve probably heard about airplanes and con-trails.  I need to do a separate post on that topic - and will try to do so in the coming month.    Do you really need to do that meeting in person, across-country?  Can a teleconference suffice?  I have alot of frequent flyer miles, on American Airlines.  I love the frequent flyer program, which is also contributing to global warming in its own way.  We love to fly to get the mileage, and to get the gold, platinum status.  I’ve finally achieved gold and wish I could get platinum.  But that’s a status issue and hardly something for environmentalists to be proud of.  I’m guilty as charged. 

So, it’s interesting to get a newsletter dedicated to the sustainable office by Regus, which has come to me as a result of my American Airlines exec gold status.  But it’s got some interesting research you might enjoy.  And, as executives are typically leaders in some way, in their respective offices, it’s up to us to lead our employees to a better, sustainable, office.  Not only that - we should encourage others to do the same, including our property managers, mayors, and chamber execs.

30 Days In An Electric Car? 2 replies

Is It Possible - to Survive/Drive 30 Days in an Electric Car?
And Why Would I Want To?

A week ago, on a Saturday morning, I decided to blog about my desire to test drive electric cars for 30 days.  By Monday morning, I had two companies calling my office asking me for details.  I am likely moving forward with both companies in various ways.  I’ve been asked by both companies and others, why I would want to do this?  What’s in for me, for them, and others?

Personally, I’m interested in electric cars, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and alternative modes of transport.  Gas went up to $3.18 a gallon, or thereabouts this week, which was timely as I was driving to Mackinac Island for the Bizresearch Search N Spa event preparation (in August), which is about 450 miles each way from Worthington, Ohio.  It’s also timely as this is peak time for driving vacations.  It’s the week of the 4th of July.  No better time to up the gas prices, right?  I think gas prices are going to have to peak more, unfortunately, for people to strongly consider alternative fuels, or decide to drive an electric or plug-in hybrid.  But quite frankly, all of us are hearing more about electrics, hybrids and plug-in hybrids, if we’re tuned into the environment, global warming, and the news. 

Curiosity as stated above, environmental awareness and civic stewardship is a main driver in this initiative.  I’m a search marketing agency exec, so marketing & PR is the other key driver for all parties involved.  I don’t blog for the sake of blogging, I blog for the sake of educating others and to get my thoughts on “paper”.  I like to see incoming links and reviews from other environmentalists, TreeHugger, search marketers and others who are curious about electric cars or any other topic I choose to cover.  I want to increase awareness about social media, PR and search, and how these mediums can drive traffic and sales for all involved.

Most people, including myself, have noted that blogs drive traffic, but as of yet, are not great in terms of sales or revenue builders.  I do web analytics, and speak at the major search engine marketing conferences on this topic.  I spoke in New York about blog analytics, at the SES conference in April, and talked about how we used three different web analytics programs (NetTracker, Google Analytics, and ClickTracks Pro) to see whether or not people were staying on our site, or progressing to leads as a result of coming to our site, via a blog entry.

Typically, myself and others are saying that blogs do not convert people to sales.  Therefore, for those who’ve asked, if you’re wanting traffic numbers on blogs, that’s not a good indicator of sales potential.   Blog traffic and sales do not typically match expectations.  The conversion rate and actually, bounce rate, might be high for a blog entry.   But my goal here is not just to drive traffic, I’m working on increasing awareness, using social media as one medium to document my work, but actually coordinating everything offline with my PR agency, news media, local contacts, government and chamber execs, and environmentalists.

I plan to coordinate the 30-day event with all my solid contacts in the areas stated above to create a story that people want to know about - not just environmentalists.  I think people need to know about the value of an electric car but its limitations as well.  People appreciate knowing benefits and limitations before they buy. 

Here are my goals:

*Bizresearch is a full-service search engine marketing agency, serving clients with services such as a Competitor Market Assessment & Online Marketing Strategy ($20-$65k), paid search services (approximately 10% of ad spend or retainer), organic search (retainer), and web analytics services.   The fees assessed our potential green marketing agencies are not a main “driver” of Bizresearch’s revenue.  However, they do cover our expenses and marketing initiatives as stated in the blog entry below.

6th May 2007

Sustainable Living - Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

Sustainable Living in Worthington, Ohio - Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

I work in Worthington, Ohio, just a few minutes north of Columbus.  I live a few miles from Worthington, within biking distance of my office.  The only challenge with biking to work in Worthington, from my house, is a lack of bike-friendly routes.  There is a bike path halfway, but it kinda defeats the purpose of biking to support sustainable living, if I’m driving halfway, just so I can bike the other half.  There is a need for more bike-friendly routes in Columbus. 

I shop at Whole Foods, although I’m not sure that sustainable living groups would agree that Whole Foods is a local farmer’s market by any means.  I’m not really into the Sunflower Market, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t be.  Part of what attracts me to Whole Foods is the “experience”, the merchandising, the people, and the essence of it all.  Sunflower Markets is a bare minimum approach to the organic, local farmers, sustainable living lifestyle.  I have one down the street from me.  In fact, on a pretty day, I could easily walk there.  Now, granted, I would garner strange looks from passersby as I carry my bags of groceries.  That’s the problem with sustainable living.  Even when you want to do something good for the environment, like shop local and walk back home, people look at you in a strange way.  I wonder why she’s walking?  Does she not have a car?  Lost her license?  We joke about how Columbus, Ohioans don’t like to walk anywhere - in fact there are some serious competitions over the “closest” car parking space possible to any location on even the nicest day.  I pride myself in taking a spot further out, just to enjoy some walking.

That’s what I like about Worthington.  It would not strike me as strange at all to see someone walking from a local farmer’s market back to their home.  It’s that kind of community.  Although they did take away the local grocery store - slightly defeating the concept of sustainable lifestyle as it lacks a local grocery store.  In the summer, however, there is a great Farmer’s Market in downtown Worthington.  You can make a day out of downtown Worthington, by having breakfast at La Chatelaine, a favorite French bistro restaurant, and shopping at the local farmers’ kiosks.  There are art shows twice a year, or perhaps more.  There are local musicians who play at the corner of High and 161 on Sunday evenings.   Click here for a Worthington Ohio Summer Concert Series PDF - loads in Acrobat.  Worthington is a very dog-friendly community.  Scotty MacBeans allows dogs inside their coffee shop.  Graeter’s and dogs get along great.  And Old Bag of Nails will not only allow dogs outside on the patio, they’ll even bring you a bucket of water for Cody (my dog).

I recently joined Sustainable Living in Worthington through Google Groups.  Here are some links they’ve put together on their document that I thought would be of interest. 

www.simplyliving.com

www.columbusrewired.org - American Institute of Design

www.greenenergyohio.org - Green Energy Ohio

www.cobac.org - Central Ohio Bicycle Advocacy Coalition

Upcoming Sustainable Living Meetings in Worthington:

21st March 2007

Al Gore on Global Warming - A Plea to Congress

Al Gore on Global Warming - A Plea to Congress Today
by Laura Thieme

Republicans Frosty? - CNN Coverage

20 years after Gore’s initial presentation to Congress, he’s back trying to save the planet.  “Gore said he hopes whoever is elected president in 2008 “can use his or her political chips” to lead the world toward a new global climate treaty to replace the 1997 Kyoto protocol that requires 35 industrial nations to cut greenhouse gases. “  The Bush administration argues Kyoto would hurt the U.S. economy and objects that high-polluting developing nations like China and India are not required to reduce emissions.  “I fully understand that Kyoto, as a brand, if you will, has been demonized,” Gore said.

Gore wants 90% cut by 2050 in carbon dioxide and other warming gases, including a ban on building new coal-producing plants that lack technology to capture emissions.

I believe in what Gore is trying to accomplish, but in Inconvenient Truth, he indicated we’d probably not be living as we know life today, if we don’t do something sooner.  So, for short-term improvement and change, what can we do?

I’ve blogged about this before - see earlier posts about what you can do to save the planet.

19th March 2007

Five Fish Died in One Day

Friday - Five Fish Died in One Day?
Is it the water?

http://health.msn.com/general/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100157833>1=9145

Just the other day, I arrived back from a trip out of town to see five fish die, one by one, in my tank.  Aquarium Adventure maintains my little fish tank.  They had done a water change on Monday.  By Friday evening, all five were dead.  One was dead Friday  morning when I walked in but by the end of the day, they were gone.

Greg from Aquarium Adventure and I are wondering if it is the water.   See the article above about Columbus Ohio having the least pure water rating of #87.   Recently, after doing the dishes in the office kitchen, I noted on two occasions the water turned yellow after it had been running for a while.  I showed it to my VP.  Perhaps we need to have Worthington test the water.

There are other factors, like we forgot to feed them for three days while I was out of town.  But another environmental change could have caused the fish to die.  Temperature fluctuation.  It was 75 degrees one day, and 32 degrees the next day.  Even human beings suffer in that type of fluctuation.  A small fish tank may not do well under those conditions even with a temperature regulator.

So, we’re going to get water from the store, that’s treated.  Greg said do not use distilled water, only spring water.  We’re going to get someone to come test our tap water.  We’re going to get a larger fish tank, and I’ll hope I’m not a sucker for an upsell on this item.  And we’re going to move it away from the window so wild temperature fluctuations aren’t as much an issue.

1st March 2007

The Oscars & Al Gore

The Oscars & Al Gore
by Laura Thieme

Al Gore - Rock Star

Al Gore won an Oscar for Inconvenient Truth, which I’ve watched and adopted into my life recently.  I was excited to see Al Gore win.  Melissa Ethridge won as well, for the song, I Need to Wake Up, from Inconvenient Truth.

Many say Al Gore did this for political reasons, but I’d ask, Have you watched the movie?  Have you read the book? It doesn’t have to be political.   Personally, I think he should not run for office.  I think his purpose in life is being served right now as a humanitarian and an environmentalist.

20th February 2007

Robins Are Surviving

I’m not sure if it’s a good or bad thing that when I come home, there are 5-8 robins waiting in trees and one or two of them perched on the side of my driveway.  One kept looking curiously at the driveway and wondering, when will there be more cherries?  I’ve also got one outside my office in Worthington that visits on the balcony.  The warmer weather is setting in, thankfully.  I haven’t seen the tattered robin since Sunday.  I’m thinking it doesn’t look good for him/her.   The cherries really are the way to go - I received a note back from Wildlife Division and they said robins can not eat seeds - their beaks are not built for it.  So, cherries were the way to go but need to be moistened. 

18th February 2007

Have You Bought Frozen Cherries Yet?

Go to your local grocer and buy frozen cherries.  Thaw them for 1.5 minutes, cut them up, and feed them to the dying robins around your house if you’re in a winter state with dying robins.  You might just be able to save a few of them.  We’ve had two die today, according to my neighbors, but there are six living and thriving outside my house - all fighting one another for the cherries.  One got stuck upside down in a tree across the street - poor guy - that was fun rescuing him.  Thank God I have a neighbor who is a vet assistant, and another who is a former wildlife rescue guy.  Hopefully that tattered robin will survive. 

You’ll feel good doing something for a helpless robin, trust me.  Go to your local grocer and get some frozen cherries.

17th February 2007

Starving Robins Sign of Global Warming?

Are Starving Robins Just One More Sign of Global Warming?
by Laura Thieme

In the past two weeks, I have monitored the plight of the robins not just in our neighborhood, but also around Columbus.  About two weeks ago, I asked my secretary to inquire as to what I should feed the robins?  I’d read sometime ago that water was essential, as well as apples, raisins, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet.  I had also noted that robins typically ravage my crabapple and berry trees in January when ice and snow prevented ground feeding supplies.   But this year was different.  January was unseasonably warm, yet the robins ate the crabapples and berries in January despite the weather.  However, for most of February, temperatures have hovered around the zero degree mark, and snow has covered the ground.   How do robins go that long without food or water?

Robins Starving in Columbus

The store near my house, WildBirds Unlimited, on Rt. 33, in Dublin, sells supplies and recommended suet, sunflower seeds without the shells and mealworms, and fruit.  I tried feeding the robins cut apples but that didn’t work.  I read online that it’s difficult to feed robins in the winter, as they’re not feeder birds, nor do they prefer seeds.  But I have found two highly successful methods of keeping them alive around my house - frozen/thawed organic cherries and water in an electric outdoor dog bowl.  The cherries were a huge hit, and in fact, I need to go to the store for more.  Blueberries were also attempted, but while this attracted birds (robins, cardinals, blue jays, and finches), I didn’t see the robins eating them at all.  Robins also like platform feeders, which I found at Meijer in short supply.  And for the suet that everyone recommends, I’ve got two types outside and have yet to see the suet receive attention.  I do have the suet feeder as well as the platform feeder - so we’ll continue to watch.  It took a couple of hours for the robin to try eating off the platform feeder, but one robin finally jumped on top of it, and flew off with a cherry in her beak.  I’ll try to post some pictures I took by tomorrow.

Robin Waiting for Food

So, does this relate to global warming?  I read an article today in the Columbus Dispatch about the robins.   Apparently, there are dead robins all over Muirfield.  I’ve seen dead robins alongside Antrim Park’s intersection of the park and Olentangy River Road.  I’ve seen them fly across Bethel in a weakened state, and barely miss getting hit by cars.  Some are not so lucky.  According to the article, they’re trying to post signs that say “Slow Down, Save A Robin”.  Robins are supposed to migrate south during the winter, but if the Fall and Winter is warm, they’re likely to stay behind.  If the winter season hits hard without warning, there is little time for the robins to escape or find alternate sources of food.

Additional Resources:

Article about Robins and Feeding Them -
Ignore their recs about not feeding them - feed them frozen cherries and give them fresh water

Yardener.com - What to Feed Robins in Winter
http://www.yardener.com/FeedingRobins.html

Ohio Dept of Natural Resources - Division of Wildlife - American Robin Defined
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/Resources/wbirds/birdid/robin.htm
 

11th February 2007

Are You Recycling? 2 replies

Are You Recycling?
by Laura Thieme

Are you recycling at home and at work?  Elsewhere?  When you’re on the road?

I used to recycle quite a bit, but haven’t in the past few years.  I’m back on the recycling bandwagon.  In the event, you’re looking to recycle cans, plastic, and glass, here are some containers and some resources for you to check out.

Stackable Recyling Bins - these are surprisingly difficult to find on the Web -Watch out for shipping costs - I’ll search for a few other sources tomorrow.

4th February 2007

New Focus for 2007

Environmental Awareness & Orphanages
by Laura Thieme

Most of who you know me recognize my name as a search marketer, who talks about promoting database driven and ecommerce websites at Search Engine Strategies Conferences (SES).  I’ve been running this business for 10 years, which continues to be extremely rewarding and challenging.  

Over the Christmas holiday (2006), I had surgery and was home for a month.  While I was able to work from my bedside, I had a little extra time on my hands.  I watched Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth (see trailer on Google You Tube, or his website, www.climatecrisis.net) about global warming and climate change.  I watched Emporers of the Ice, about the arctic ice shelf breaking off and cutting off the food supply for hundreds of thousands of penguins in the Antarctica.  

The two movies combined with a month off enabled me to evaluate what I’m doing with my life and what I could might do differently.  Most of those who know me are aware of another passion of mine, and my pursuit of volunteering at an orphanage for the first time this year.  But my interest in the environment has increased dramatically since watching these two movies.  The global warming crisis has reached its tipping point in recent weeks, as new reports have come out saying climate change is real. 

Related Sites:

NewScientist Environment
InterGovernmental Panel on Climate Change

I’m going to continue to post on the latest environmental reports, and any activities that I get involved in like the upcoming Arbor Day in Worthington, Ohio.  I’ll have links to eco-friendly manufacturers, recycling centers, and other environmentally friendly websites in the coming weeks.